HB600 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Van SmithRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Motor vehicles, uniform vehicle width restriction, provided, Sec. 32-9-20 am'd.

Summary

HB600 would establish a uniform maximum vehicle width for vehicles on Alabama state highways and set accompanying height, length, and weight limits.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates a uniform width standard: 102 inches total outside width on highways with 12-foot-or-wider traffic lanes, and 96 inches on highways with narrower lanes, with the Transportation Director allowed to designate other highways for the 102-inch width. It also sets height at 13.5 feet and length limits (generally 40 feet, with specific longer allowances for certain truck configurations and motor homes). In addition, it retains detailed weight rules and enforcement provisions, including tolerances and special permits, and includes some exemptions (e.g., certain agricultural vehicles) and allowances related to auxiliary power units and natural gas-powered vehicles. The act becomes effective immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Commercial vehicle operators and fleet owners must ensure their vehicles and loads comply with the new uniform width, height, and length limits and may need to adjust equipment or routes.
• Law enforcement, the Department of Transportation, and other authorities will enforce the new size limits, designate highways for particular widths, and oversee permits and compliance.

Key Provisions

• Uniform width limits: 102 inches on highways with 12-foot-or-wider lanes; 96 inches on narrower-laned highways; mirrors and safety devices excluded from width count; DOT Director may designate other highways for the 102-inch width.
• Size limits beyond width: Maximum height of 13.5 feet; various length restrictions, including general 40-foot limit and specific maximums for truck-tractor-semitrailer combinations and other configurations (e.g., motor homes up to 45 feet).
• Weight rules and enforcement: Maintains axle and gross weight limits with specified tolerances and enforcement procedures, including use of portable and platform scales and permits for special cases.
• Exemptions and special allowances: Provisions for certain agricultural vehicles; additional weight allowances for auxiliary power units (up to 400 pounds) with certification; potential weight increases for natural gas-powered vehicles under defined conditions.
• Administrative authority: DOT may designate highways for width allowances and post limits; enforcement to be carried out by state, county, and local law enforcement as appropriate.
• Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon passage and governor’s approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles